“Magic” Matt Molnar
Watching him perform with his band Friends, banging out party-style percussion grooves, dropping synth hooks, or sneaking in some some smooth guitar licks (all in the span of about 10 minutes) you get the feeling Matthew is somewhat of a musical renaissance man. If you've been fortunate enough to chat with him at a show, you become aware pretty quickly that this guy can back it up with a deep knowledge of tunes-- the kind of person that you sort of hope has too many beers and leaves his iPod behind. As you would expect, it appears as if "Magic" Matt has done his homework in the archives, going pretty far back in the vaults to highlight some key early live sets by a handful of bands who would go on to win the hearts of many, much like his own band has done. Check out a live cut from the first ever Widowspeak show, as well as some more old school performances from the likes of Prince Rama, Beach Fossils, and Big Troubles. - AR
Ari Spool
It's a short list of people who have attended more shows at Shea over the years than Ari. A longtime friend of the family, the hours she has logged inside these four walls has certainly earned her the right to program this next installment of our "Guest List". When she's not making power moves these days as the Managing Editor of IMPOSE magazine (responsible for curating many of the awesome shows you will hear below) you can find her wherever good tunes and good times are abound, cutting loose on the dance floor. She is known to contribute an enormous amount of positive energy to any given situation-- now, in addition to all of that, she has contributed this powerhouse playlist for your enjoyment - AR
Greg Fox (Part I)
Forget extended family -- our cousin Greg Fox is Shea fam in the most literal sense. A staple of the interplanetary musical community, Greg needs no explanation. He has been around since the beginning, and has without a doubt played Shea more times with his various projects than anybody else in the venue's history. Whittled down from what was originally submitted as a massive 20 hour playlist, these are some of Greg's favorite jams pulled from that list. Check back for part two in the coming weeks. - AR
Jordan Michael
Perhaps the hardest-working man in DIY, "JM" was probably involved with setting up more shows in 2011 than anyone else in Brooklyn. A true iconoclast, he takes the task of turning people on to good shit they've never heard before very close to heart. These are the most celebrated moments from the shows he has booked at Shea this past year, chosen by the man himself...cue the montage. -AR